As the temperatures continue to dip, frozen pipes can be a real headache this New Year.
Based in Hull, AA Gas Services have over a decade of experience in central heating, domestic plumbing and bathroom installation. Follow our top tips to prevent frozen pipes (along with a costly bill) this winter.
All your water pipes should be kept insulating and dry, and whilst insulating your pipes cannot alone prevent them from freezing, it will slow down the transfer of heat. You should also keep drain lines insulated and heated, particularly in crawl spaces. A heat lamp can help do this, and will ensure the pipe is protected from moving cold air.
Disconnecting your water hose from the outside tap in the winter is vital. Any water trapped in the hose will freeze as soon as the temperatures do, and this freezing can continue back to the spigot before reaching your pipes.
Fixing a dripping tap could also help you to avoid frozen pipes this winter – even if it’s just a small trickle. Minimising draughts from outside will also help to prevent your pipes from freezing in unheated areas of your home, like the basement or the loft.
Leaving the heating on a low heat constantly is also beneficial. You may think it sounds costly, but even keeping it on the lowest setting will help you to avoid a costly plumbing bill if your pipes do freeze.
If you do find yourself with frozen pipes this winter, you should turn off the water supply straight away at the stopcock, before checking to see if the pipe has burst.
Begin to slowly thaw the pipe using hot water bottles or a hot towel, and you should make sure you start at the end of the pipe nearest to the tap. You could also try using a hairdryer on the lowest setting but don’t even be tempted to use a naked flame or blowlamp. The last thing you want to do is cause a fire.
If the frozen pipe looks busted or has a slit in it, it’s time to call in the professionals. For pipe repairs in Hull call AA Gas Services on 01482 755390 to have one of our friendly and professional engineers visit your home.
